Watch the BET Awards 2018 on BET (DStv Channel 129) on Tuesday 26 June at 19:00, or watch online on DStv Now.

BET in Africa, part of the Viacom International Media Networks Africa multimedia entertainment portfolio, today (Wednesday 16 May) announced the nominations for the BET Awards 2018 taking place at Microsoft Theater on Sunday, 24 June 2018 and premiering across Africa on BET (DStv Channel 129) and on DStv Now on Tuesday 26 June at 19:00 CAT.

In a BET Awards first, the top nominees from Africa and Europe (as voted for by an academy of industry experts) will now compete for the Best International Act category, with the winner being honoured as part of the US broadcast.

Recognising the growing international appeal of African artists, five African artists have been honoured in the BET Awards. Leading the transformed Best International Act Award category from South Africa will be rapper Cassper Nyovest and Gqom evolutionists Distruction Boyz alongside Nigerian musicians Davido and Tiwa Savage and Congolese star Fally Ipupa. Also included in the category are French performers Booba and Dadju and UK acts J Hus, Stefflon Don and Stormzy.

Commented Alex Okosi, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Viacom International Media Networks Africa and BET International: “We are excited that the Best International Award will be presented on-stage during the live broadcast. The inclusion of the award in the main show signals the influence of international artists globally”.

The culturally-charged, performance-driven, thought-provoking show returns for its 18th year and as with previous years is expected to turn out a show like no other. DJ Khaled dominates this year’s nominations with a total of 6 including ‘Video of the Year,’ two for ‘Best Collaboration,’ with Rihanna and Bryson Tiller for Wild Thoughts, and with Beyoncé and Jay-Z for Top Off, ‘Album of the Year,’ and ‘Coca-Cola Viewer’s Choice.’ Kendrick Lamar follows with five nods including ‘Best Collaboration,’ with Rihanna for Loyalty, ‘Video of the Year,’ ‘Album of the Year,’ and ‘Coca-Cola Viewers’ Choice.’ Other leading nominees include Migos, nominated for four awards including ‘Best Group,’ and ‘Album of the Year,” and SZA, also nominated for four awards, including ‘Best Female R&B/Pop Artist’ and ‘Best New Artist.’

The iconic broadcast continues to tackle culturally relevant topics and conversations, delivering some of the most memorable moments in Award show history. In 2017, Bruno Mars opened the show with a funky, energetic performance of his hit Perm, then returned to the stage moments later to accept his first-ever BET Awards win for Best Male R&B/Pop Artist, XSCAPE reunited for the first time in eighteen years to perform a medley of hits, Understanding, Who Can I Run to, and, Just Kickin’ It, Yara Shahidi voiced the importance of supporting blackness and thanked BET for celebrating black culture so beautifully while accepting the Young Stars Award, and Michelle Obama and BET Chairman Debra Lee introduced Chance the Rapper who gave an impassioned speech after receiving the evening’s Humanitarian Award. The BET Awards raises the standard, year over year, for one of the most intently unconventional, news-provoking and talked-about broadcasts.

BET Networks recognizes artists, entertainers, and athletes across over 19 categories with the "BET Awards 2018" nominations. The nominations are selected by BET’s Voting Academy, which is comprised of fans and an esteemed group of entertainment professionals in the fields of television, film, music, social media, digital marketing, sports journalism, public relations, and the creative arts.

Fans will be able to cast their vote for their favourite Best International Act nominees beginning today on BET.com and on both Twitter and Instagram@BET_Africa @BET_TV_FR @BET_Intl using each artist’s designated hashtag.

The BET Awards 2018 will be broadcast in partnership with Russian Bear on Tuesday, 26 June 2018, starting with a pre-show at 18:00 CAT, followed by the main awards show at 20:00 CAT and conclude with a post-show immediately after.